Jenni MannersTHE protection of children affected by domestic violence must be enshrined in new laws, says the manager of a Swindon refuge.

Jenni Manners, who runs the town's Women's Refuge, estimates that 8,500 Swindon children witness domestic violence at least once every year.

She says the new Children's Bill currently going through parliament needs to include measures to protect them.

"In about 90 per cent of incidents of domestic violence, children are in the same room or else nearby," she said. "You just cannot imagine the kind of damage done when children have seen their mothers being stabbed or strangled.

"It has a huge psychological effect on them, as they are living in fear for most of their lives. It can lead to disruptive behaviour and bedwetting, and makes it difficult for them to concentrate at school.

"Many want to try to protect their mothers, which can lead to them getting hurt. Sometimes, they blame themselves for the violence. I would like to see a local authority post created which would have responsibility for these children."

Her views are echoed by the Local Government Association (LGA), which says the new Bill ignores young victims of violence in the home. Under the Bill, authorities like Swindon Council would have to set up a post of director of children's services. The LGA says the welfare of youngsters traumatised by domestic violence needs to come into that remit.